Although his failures were magnified by a lens sharper than a telescope, Millen isn’t the only general manager who should be held accountable for piecing together a last-place team.

Thanks to the bright red target that rested on Millen’s back, some Detroiters lost sight of the fact that Tigers general manager Dave Dombrowski just conducted the worst offseason in franchise history.

With the exception of one subtle free agent acquisition (right-handed pitcher Armando Galarraga), Dombrowski didn’t make a single move this offseason that shouldn’t be subjected to harsh criticism.

In one short winter, he transformed the organization from a team rich with financial flexibility and decorated prospects to a team heavily invested in aging designated hitters and past-their-prime pitchers.

Here’s a refresher on some of the notable moves Dombrowski made this offseason:

Oct. 30, 2007: The day after the World Series ended, Dombrowski tried fixing his team’s greatest flaw when he acquired shortstop Edgar Renteria from the Atlanta Braves for two of his team’s best prospects: right-handed pitcher Jair Jurrjens and outfielder Gorkys Hernandez.

Turns out, all the move did was exacerbate the Tigers’ problem at the position. Renteria, who made $10 million this season, didn’t provide the offensive prowess (.269, 10 home runs, 55 RBIs) or defensive range Dombrowski expected of him.

Meanwhile, the 22-year-old Jurrjens (13-10, 3.68 ERA) has an outside shot of being named the National League Rookie of the Year, while Hernandez, 20, is drawing comparisons to Minnesota Twins’ speedy center fielder Carlos Gomez. The Tigers likely will spend $3 million to buy out the last year of Renteria’s contract.

Nov. 7, 2007: Despite his aging body and tired arm, Dombrowski resigned closer Todd Jones to a one-year, $7 million contract. After drawing the ire of fans last season with his penchant for blowing saves, Jones was placed under heavy scrutiny entering the 2008 season. Three blown saves midway through this season didn’t exactly get him back on the fans’ good side.

Nov. 12, 2007: With hopes of bolstering his outfield, the Tigers traded utility infielder Omar Infante to the Chicago Cubs for left fielder Jacque Jones. Jacque Jones played in 24 games with the Tigers before Dombrowski finally cut his losses. In 90 plate appearances, he batted just .165 with one home run and five RBIs.

Nov. 30, 2007: Rather than make a big splash into free agency, Dombrowski resigned 43-year-old pitcher Kenny Rogers for another season. Rogers did what most washed up 43-year-old pitchers are inclined to do in the majors: He struggled. Rogers has remained surprisingly healthy this season, but his 5.70 ERA is the worst he’s had since 2001.

Dec. 5, 2007: Arguably the game’s most electrifying trade during the offseason, Dombrowski traded five minor league prospects and backup catcher Mike Rabelo to the Florida Marlins for superstar slugger Miguel Cabrera and besieged left-handed pitcher Dontrelle Willis.

It took him a month to warm up, but Cabrera has been nothing short of Herculean in a Tigers’ uniform. Cabrera, 25, is first in the American League in home runs (37) and third in RBIs (127). He was given an eight-year, $153.3 million contract extension in March.

Although Cabrera looks as good as advertised, Willis doesn’t even have a guaranteed rotation spot in 2009. That’s kind of a problem, considering Dombrowski gave him a three-year, $29 million contract extension before the start of the season.

Jan. 16, 2008: In an effort to avoid arbitration and stabilize the back end of Detroit’s starting rotation, Dombrowski gave southpaw Nate Robertson a three-year, $21.25 million contract extension. Robertson rewarded Dombrowski for his decision by having the worst season of his big league career. Robertson and his 6.35 ERA were moved to the bullpen in August.

Of course, hindsight on all these moves is 20-20. When I was informed the Tigers had traded for Cabrera, the National Guard couldn’t have curbed my excitement.

I firmly believed Cabrera’s bat would propel the Tigers back to the crest of the American League Central and give them a realistic shot at winning the World Series.

Obviously, I was wrong. But I’m allowed to be wrong because I don’t get paid millions of dollars to run a baseball team. Dombrowski, on the other hand, should be held accountable.

Does that mean the Tigers should fire him? No, at least not this year. Dombrowski has a proven track record and played an integral role in digging this team from the dumps to the 2006 World Series. But if he orchestrates another offseason like that, he should be sent packing like Millen.